|
"RumbleBee" now the
"Renegade T"
(Proudly Owned by
Richard and Dee Small - "Still Cruisin' After All Of These
Years")
The RumbleBee started out, according to the title, as a 1920 Model
"T"
Ford and was most likely converted to a TBucket in the late 70's
or early 80's. She was first registered with the Minnesota D.O.T.
in 1982 Shortly thereafter, the car found it's way down to
Florida where it stayed over 14 years.
The RumbleBee came to Texas in July of 1998 where a massive makeover
was immediately undertaken. On April 5, 1999 the RumbleBee emerged
from a 100% home-grown, eight month, body-on restoration, that brought
the car to it's current state.
In contrast to both the "hi-tech" and "nostalgia"
looks so popular today, the RumbleBee stays true to it's late 70's
heritage - and it's namesake. The black and yellow paint scheme
is accented with flames and loaded with brilliant, multi-color metal
flakes in the clear coat. Spoke wheels all around and a seriously
"raked" stance make this a picture perfect late-70's T-bucket.
Now that's not to say that the RumbleBee doesn't have it's share
of modern upgrades. With all new StewartWarner gauges (seven), JVC
stereo/cass, Blaupunkt floor speakers and removable Drive-In Blaupunkt
speakers, polyurethane bushings, dual Edelbrock 600cfm carbs, and
7" sealed beam headlights, modern technology is in all the
right places.
On April 24th, 1999 The RumbleBee moved on to her new home in Fort
Worth, Texas. Her new owner grew up in Southern California
in the 50s &
60s and is planning to project his Surfing and Hot Rodding (with
a touch
of cowboy/pirate) free style attitude into The Renegade T until
he takes
"That One Last Ride".
So where does The Renegade T go from here? Who knows! Hot rods are
never really finished. Probably a new black and yellow interior,
new bigger tires? maybe a new engine or tranny? Whatever the future
holds, we will do our best to insure this rod always keeps a firm
grasp on a fabulous
era in hot rodding: the 1970's T-bucket roadsters.
|
